The 2025 New Year Honours List, unveiled by King Charles and announced on Friday night in London, recognizes over 30 professionals of Indian heritage who have made remarkable contributions across various fields. The honorees range from community leaders and campaigners to academic figures and medical experts. This prestigious recognition celebrates individuals who have shown outstanding dedication and commitment to their respective industries and communities.
A key highlight of this year’s honours is Ranil Malcolm Jayawardena, a Conservative Member of Parliament of Sri Lankan and Indian heritage, who has been conferred a Knighthood for his political and public service. His achievement is shared with Gareth Southgate, the recently resigned England men’s football team manager, who received a knighthood for his significant contributions to the sport.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the honorees, stating that they exemplify the "very best of the UK" and personify the core value of service. He emphasized that the New Year Honours List celebrates those who have selflessly contributed to their communities, calling them "unsung heroes." These individuals represent a broad spectrum of professions and backgrounds, reflecting the diversity and richness of the contributions that shape British society.
The New Year Honours List includes several distinguished individuals from various sectors. Among the Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBEs) is Satwant Kaur Deol, who has been recognized for her exceptional services to further education. Charles Pritam Singh Dhanowa, an expert in competition law, was also honoured with a CBE, as was Professor Sneh Khemka, who was acknowledged for his significant contributions to healthcare, science, innovation, and technology.
Leena Nair, the Global CEO of Chanel, received a CBE for her transformative leadership and contributions to the retail and consumer sector. Mayank Prakash, President of the British Computing Society, was also awarded a CBE for his dedication to advancing technology professionals and fostering innovation in the tech industry. Purnima Murthy Tanuku, Chief Executive of the National Day Nurseries Association, was recognized for her tireless work in early years education.
Among the Indian-origin recipients of the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) is cardiologist Professor Sanjay Arya, who has worked tirelessly to support black and minority ethnic doctors and healthcare providers in northwest England. Nandini Das, a Professor of Early Modern Literature and Culture at Exeter College, University of Oxford, was recognized for her contributions to interdisciplinary research and public engagement. Tarsem Singh Dhaliwal, CEO of Iceland Foods, received an OBE for his services to the Welsh economy, retail, and charity, highlighting his impact on both the retail sector and his charitable initiatives.
Jasmine Dotiwala, a renowned broadcaster and advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion, was honoured with an OBE for her extensive contributions to the media industry. Other OBE recipients include community leaders such as Monica Kohli, who is the President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association UK, and Soumya Majumdar from the Crown Prosecution Service, recognized for their work in promoting diversity and advancing public service.
The Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) categories also feature notable British-Indians who have made significant contributions to their communities. MBE recipients include Dalim Kumar Basu, a tech expert, Marimouttou Coumarassamy, a nursing chief, and Professor Bhaskar Dasgupta, a rheumatologist, who were all honored for their work in healthcare. Professor Ajay Jaikishore Vora, a renowned paediatric haematologist, also received an MBE for his work in medicine and paediatrics.
BEM honors were bestowed upon community workers like Sanjib Bhattacharjee and Jagrupe Binnig, who have made remarkable contributions to their local areas. Postal worker Hemandra Hindocha and charity worker Jaswinder Kumar also received BEM awards for their selfless service to the community.
Musician Balbir Singh Khanpur Bhujhangy, known for his contributions to Bhangra music and Punjabi culture, was awarded a BEM for his efforts to promote cultural heritage in the West Midlands region. His recognition highlights the growing influence of British-Indians in the cultural landscape of the UK.
The Companion of Honour, one of the highest honours in the UK, was awarded to author and screenwriter Sir Kazuo Ishiguro for his profound contributions to literature. Sir Kazuo, a Japanese-British Nobel Prize winner, is recognized for his literary works that have resonated globally. Additionally, Stephen Fry, an actor, broadcaster, comedian, and advocate for mental health, received a Knighthood for his exceptional work in raising awareness of mental health issues. His work has had a profound impact on destigmatizing mental health and providing support to those in need.
The UK government has underscored its commitment to ensuring the honours system reflects the diversity of British society. Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden highlighted that 54% of this year’s recipients have undertaken outstanding work in their communities, either in a voluntary or paid capacity. Notably, 12% of the recipients are from ethnic minority backgrounds, reflecting the UK's evolving diversity and inclusion efforts.
The 2025 New Year Honours List serves as a testament to the invaluable contributions of individuals from various backgrounds, including the British-Indian community, who continue to shape the future of the UK through their leadership, service, and innovation. The Cabinet Office has called for the public to nominate individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to society so that their achievements can be recognized in future honours lists. This year’s list emphasizes the importance of community service and the impact of individuals working across a wide array of sectors to make the UK a better place for everyone.
